Bachelor of Nursing (CRICOS course code 041099M) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Western Sydney University over 3 years. This AQF Level 7 program prepares international students for registration as a registered nurse in Australia, focusing on general nursing (field of education 060301). The course includes 800 hours of supervised clinical placement, ensuring hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. Delivered across four campuses in Greater Western Sydney, this degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. Western Sydney University is a government-owned institution (CRICOS 00917K) with a strong reputation for nursing education. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students are protected under the ESOS Act. HeadStart Academy sources this data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed decisions.
The Bachelor of Nursing covers the field of General Nursing (060301), preparing graduates to provide comprehensive care across diverse healthcare settings. Core subjects typically include human anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, mental health nursing, community health, and evidence-based practice. Students develop clinical reasoning, communication, and leadership skills essential for modern nursing. While the exact curriculum is set by Western Sydney University, the CRICOS registration ensures the course meets Australian quality standards for international students. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This degree is a single qualification with no dual awards, focusing entirely on nursing. The field of health (06) encompasses a broad range of disciplines, but this program specialises in the prevention and management of illness, health promotion, and palliative care.
The Bachelor of Nursing is a full-time course lasting 3 years (156 weeks on the CRICOS register). All instruction is delivered in English, and the course is a single qualification (no dual award). There is no foundation studies component included; however, Western Sydney University may offer pathway programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. The standard study load is 40 hours per week, including lectures, tutorials, simulation labs, and clinical placements. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The course is not available part-time for visa holders. With 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers in Australia offering over 26,000 courses, Western Sydney University stands out for its strong industry connections in the Sydney region.
Tuition fees for the Bachelor of Nursing are indicative and set by Western Sydney University. As per the CRICOS register (April 2026), total tuition is A$116,496 for the full 3-year program. Non-tuition fees (such as administrative charges) add A$900, bringing the estimated total to A$117,396. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and costs around A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Sydney vary: indicative weekly rent is A$300–A$500, groceries A$80–A$150, and public transport A$30–A$50. The Department of Home Affairs recommends budgeting at least A$21,041 per year for living costs. Always confirm current fees directly with Western Sydney University at www.westernsydney.edu.au, as fees are subject to change.
International students typically need an IELTS overall score of 6.0–6.5 with no band below 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent English language test such as TOEFL or PTE). Academic requirements generally include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, with prerequisite subjects in biology or chemistry often recommended. Western Sydney University may assess prior study from overseas institutions. For students who do not meet direct entry, the university offers foundation or diploma pathways. These alternative entry routes are not part of the CRICOS course but can lead to admission. Always check the provider's website for the most current entry criteria. HeadStart Academy reminds you that meeting entry requirements does not guarantee a visa; all applicants must satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and other Australian visa conditions.
The Bachelor of Nursing includes a mandatory work component of 20 weeks (approximately 800 total hours) at 40 hours per week. This consists of supervised clinical placements in hospitals, aged care facilities, community health centres, and other healthcare settings. Students work under the guidance of registered nurses, applying theoretical knowledge to real patient care. Placements are integrated throughout the course, typically in blocks. This work-integrated learning is essential for developing clinical competence and meeting AHPRA registration requirements. International students on a Student visa can undertake placements as part of their course; work rights outside the placement are separate (see visa section). The placement locations vary across Western Sydney University's network of partner healthcare providers, primarily within the Greater Sydney area.
This course is delivered at four campuses of Western Sydney University in New South Wales: Campbelltown, Hawkesbury (Richmond), Liverpool, and Parramatta. Each campus is located in the Greater Western Sydney region, offering access to diverse clinical placement sites. Campbelltown is in the Macarthur area, about 50 km southwest of Sydney CBD. Hawkesbury campus is in the semi-rural suburb of Richmond, northwest of Sydney. Liverpool campus is in the rapidly growing South West Sydney region. Parramatta, the largest campus, is in the geographic centre of Sydney with excellent public transport links. Sydney is home to over 5 million people and has more than 10 CRICOS-registered universities offering nursing programs. The city's multicultural population provides rich learning opportunities for nursing students. Living costs in Sydney are among Australia's highest, but the region offers vibrant student life and career prospects.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course full-time. Visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, OSHC, and dependants, and valid enrolment (Confirmation of Enrolment). OSHC is mandatory and can be arranged through the university or private providers. Post-study work rights may be available after graduation, depending on the level of qualification. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; for personalised advice, consult a MARA-registered agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, ensuring ESOS Act protections.
Sydney offers world-class nursing education, but it is a high-cost city. International students should budget for rent (A$300–$500/week), groceries (A$80–$150/week), and transport (A$30–$50/week). The city has over 150,000 international students, with strong support services. Public transport connects all Western Sydney University campuses, though travel times from the CBD can exceed one hour. Job prospects for registered nurses are excellent across Australia, with nursing on the skilled occupation list. However, clinical placement schedules can be demanding. Consider your adaptability to shift work and the emotional demands of healthcare. The ESOS Act protects your tuition fees if the provider ceases operations. With 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers nationally, Western Sydney University's government-backed status offers reliability.
Ready to start your nursing journey? Explore more Bachelor Degree courses in NSW or visit Western Sydney University's official website to apply.
Bachelor of Nursing is a CRICOS-registered programme at Western Sydney University. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.